UN Urges Action to Prevent Violent Extremism

United Nations Secretary-General issued a strong call for renewed global efforts to prevent violent extremism, stressing the need to address its root causes and protect vulnerable communities.

In a message marking the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism, the Secretary-General warned that terrorist groups continue to exploit instability, rapid technological change, and socio-economic vulnerabilities to spread fear and radical ideologies.

He highlighted growing concerns over the exposure of young people, including children, to radicalization through social media platforms and unregulated online gaming environments, noting that digital spaces are increasingly being misused for extremist recruitment.

The message coincides with key milestones for the United Nations, as the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy marks its 20th anniversary and the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism marks 10 years. The Secretary-General emphasized that these frameworks demonstrate that security measures alone are insufficient to counter extremism.

Instead, he urged governments and stakeholders to focus on addressing grievances and the conditions that enable terrorism. This includes strengthening education systems, expanding civic participation, and promoting dialogue, trust, and social cohesion within communities.

The Secretary-General also underlined the importance of collaboration with the private sector and technology companies to establish safeguards that prevent the misuse of digital platforms for extremist purposes.

All prevention efforts, he said, must be firmly grounded in human rights and the rule of law to ensure inclusive participation and equal opportunities for all individuals in shaping their societies.

Concluding his message, the Secretary-General called for collective action to build resilient and inclusive communities where violent extremism cannot take root and peace can prevail for all.